By Carl Nelson
“Times, They Are A Changing!”, a Bob Dylan song that marked a period of great turmoil and adjustment in American life. Change can be uncomfortable and disruptive, especially when outcomes are uncertain. Even more alarming is an unexpected, accelerated rate of change. By all accounts this is such a time. So much is happening it is hard to keep abreast. Some days I want the world to stop and let me get off. Presently, we are a people contesting with ourselves to determine our form of national government. Loud voices can be heard from conflicting points of view. It seems endless. Know, however, that this is not the only conflict we have encountered in becoming a nation. In our Civil War we persevered and overcame the question of state rights and slavery. The South did attempt to secede, and New England threatened as well. In Jefferson’s time of office, we dealt with Arron Burr’s attempt to form a new country in the heart of our southwest. In the “60’s” we experienced the upheaval of the civil rights movement. As a people, we should have learned that we can meet serious problems if our bond is strong.
My fear is not that we will not overcome our present differences in time, but that our real identity as a people may be marred as we move forward. I grew up being proud of my country. We were the leaders of the world in both military and economic strength as well as in our generosity. The Marshall Plan following WWII is visible proof of our philanthropy. As a people, we have cared for each other with government sponsored programs, non-profit assistance organizations and our churches, but most often through neighbor-to-neighbor compassion.
Cooperation has long been a part of our capitalistic competitiveness. Our standard of morality, sense of fairness and adherence to the rule of law are cornerstones to our greatness as a people. Our goodness is for the time being getting obscured by animosity, contention and hate. We will, as Americans, work through this difficult period. No political movement or individual will change us from being who we are. Let’s keep a good thought.
